Developing a Prayer Lifestyle
by Mac PierSimply defined, prayer is the expression of a love relationship with God. Prayer is most often thought of as "talking" to God. This is a critical component of prayer. Prayer, however, is more. In prayer God is also communicating to us. Prayer draws from four interweaving elements which include: With-ness, The Word, Worship and Warfare.
How To Get Started
If you have made a commitment to develop your own personal prayer life, consider the following pattern for 30-60 minutes with God in personal communion.
With-ness Praying (Reflection): With-ness praying, otherwise known as contemplative praying, has emphasis on hearing the "still, small voice of God." This inward contemplative type of praying is expressed in journaling, listening to God and contemplation. Using a journal, take time to listen to the Lord. Write down thoughts and realizations you have heard from him. Note any stressful situations and reflections on the last 24 hours. Include your concerns, joys and pressures. Ask the Lord to teach you how to see and hear him in your circumstances.
The Word (Scripture Study): The Word is God's special revelation to us of himself. Through his Word we know the One to Whom we pray. God's Word informs us of how to pray. God's Word provides us with the patterns and promises of prayer. Study the great prayers of the Bible and you will know how to pray. There is no substitute for feeding regularly on the Word. Systematically working through a passage of Scripture can be a great adventure.
Worship: In Worship, we feast on the character and goodness of God. It is our response to him for all that he has done. Our worship is one thing God cannot give himself. After you have studied the Word, take time to write what you have learned about the Lord in your journal. Feast on his goodness. Respond to what you have just studied. You may want to read Psalms or sing songs that reflect on God's character.
Warfare (Intercession): Warfare praying, or intercession, allows us to enter into the mysterious spiritual means by which we partner with God to reach the unreached of the world and defeat the evil that is devastating creation. We ask God to work in hearts and situations all around the world. This element of prayer naturally flows from worship. Begin by asking God to make known areas of your life that are displeasing to him (confession). Continue in thanksgiving, acknowledging his redemptive action seen in Scripture and in your own personal life.
Begin interceding for daily and weekly concerns. Consider a rhythm which includes daily and weekly rotating items:
- My relationships: parents, siblings, spouse, children, friends, etc.
- My "daily bread" or provisions
- My campus or church fellowship and leadership
- My community and its leadership
- My nation and its leadership
- A specific world missions concern: rotate unreached people groups, missionaries, tentmakers, short-termers, etc.
- A specific issue of justice and righteousness: rotate concerns such as school systems, racial healing, political concerns, etc.
Reflection: Ask God to give you his attitude for the day and his heart for the world of which you are a part.
Mac Pier was formerly an InterVarsity Area Director in New York.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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